Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The last few weeks have been one big party! And really, parties are part of the reason that I love my job. I never get tired of socializing and meeting new people.After competing (and sadly, losing) in the Luxury Garage Sale contest, I headed over to Vera Wang for their Fall 2014 trunk show. There were so many stunning gowns but Lisette won my heart.

I don't normally get invited to Mom events and had no idea what I was missing until attending Well Played. Hosted by the Ritz Carlton Chicago and 2 Moms Media, I learned all sort of ways to bring play into your life. The premise of the event was brilliant: "What we often forget...or don't have time to remember, is that play is an essential part of a happy, healthy, and more FUN life. Without it, a vital piece of our well-being sits in the corner waiting to be set free. Besides connecting with some amazing vendors, I walked away in much better spirits.

Benefiting Gigi's Playhouse, the Bollywood Blowout was quite the event! Hosted at Stan Mansion, their was everything a cocktail reception highlighting many local Indian vendors as well as a fabulous fashion show. The saris stole the show!

Is there anything more inspiring than creating art under the beautiful views of the Water Tower? The Park Hyatt Chicago hosted Art in the Park event in which guests had the opportunity to create a scene of Water Tower on canvas. I found that even with the inspirational views cannot turn me into a fabulous painter. I am much better and wine and socializing, which, thankfully, was also an option.

Last but not least, I was a judge for the inaugural Culinary Fight Club that was held at Blokes and Birds. The premise is genius: 3 chefs have 30 seconds to select ingredients from the pantry and then have 60 minutes to put together a dish that the 4 judges get to taste. The recipes from the winners will be collected into a cookbook that will be sold to raise funds for a to-be-determined charity.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

There's nothing like bringing in the holidays with a bit of shopping! And there is no shortage of shopping events in the city. Tonight, I'm heading to Luxaby Baby & Child being hosted by Love Zahra, Sassy Moms in the City, and Dress Up Files as well as the Bump Club's BCBazaar at the Land of Nod.On Sunday, I'll be attending the Sassy City event being held from 12-5PM. If you would like a complimentary ticket, please click here and enter the code HONEYBEE. There will be spa services and drinks! Hope to see you there.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

As a wedding planner, there is a certain amount of flexibility to your schedule when it's the off season. So when I saw that Luxury Garage Sale was having an amazing scavenger hunt in the city, in which the winner would receive a Chanel handbag, I jumped at the chance and took most of the day off work. (It's really hard to disconnect from work for a full 24 hours so I normally will work a few hours in the AM and then a few hours in the PM).

I also decided to make it a team effort and brought along my three year old daughter, Francesca, a fashionista in training. After following Luxury Garage sale on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, we headed to stop A, Le Colonial. Twenty minutes into the game the first clue was released so we headed to Equinox. I then realized that the stops were not going to be in order (because that would be too easy) and we began the hunt! There were many girls participating that weren't tweeting publicly so I assume that there boss wasn't as understanding as mine.

I had grand dreams that Francesca and I would one day reminisce about the day that we won a Chanel bag together. Unfortunately, we didn't win although we came very close! We saw the very excited winner shrieking with excitement in a fab suite at the W Lakeshore.There's always next year!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

I always consider shopping this time of the year an enjoyable challenge Instead of seeking out complete looks, I am in search of a few pieces that will complete my existing wardrobe. Right now, I am seeking out these five pieces to finish out the Fall / Winter 2013 season.

Anthropologie New Light DressMy lace obsession has been going strong for the past few years. I am not a big Anthropologie wearer (I always think of one of my brides that wore the brand religiously) but this dress is too cute not to pass up. I could use a little color since I have bought nothing but black this season.Comme des Garçons 'Large' Classic PouchWhile I already have a black and gold pouch by Marc by Marc Jacobs, I love the color. I think the pouch has the potential of becoming a new staple in every woman's wardrobe. It is so easy to throw a pouch in your tote and then take it out for the evening. Zara Masculine Studio OvercoatIt is surprising how few high street brands offered a pastel coat this season. It's everywhere in the designer world but I really want something under the $500 mark. My only problem with the coat is that I am pretty sure I am going to have to spend the cost of the coat at my tailor. Sigh. The struggles with being under five feet continue.Top Shop Leather A Line Skirt from the Kate Bosworth CollectionI have always loved leather. While I thought that I could get by with just one leather skirt this season, I swooned when I saw this A-line skirt in Lucky Magazine. It's still not in the stores but I am going to order online. It'll go perfectly with my poofy sleeved Valentino sweater from a few seasons ago.

Aldo Rise by Preen Fanni Cut-out ShootieBlack and gold is everywhere so my contrary self has been yearning for some black and silver. The Aldo Preen collaboration is small but this boot fits the bill. I love the hardware and think it will look good with a number of skirts and dresses already in my wardrobe.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

It's such an exciting time here in Illinois! The Land of Lincoln will become the 15th state to recognize marriage equality. Beginning June 1st, 2014, same sex couples can apply for marriage licenses. I'm hoping that there will be a ton of same sex weddings next summer and fall.I have yet to plan a gay wedding but am hoping that changes for 2014. I'm in the middle of planning on my business goals for 2014 and this one is at the top of my list.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

There are two fantastic bridal events coming up that every bride should mark on their calendar if they are looking for bridal accessories or a make-up artist.

Left Bank Jewelry, a beautiful boutique in Lincoln Park, is having their annual sample sale with up to 80% off shoes, veils, and jewelry. Left Bank has an amazing selection of jewelry and trinkets that make me swoon every time I step through the doors.

Later in the month, Sonia Roselli is having an open house. The salon will be offering free trials will any booked contract, giveaways every hour, professional photos and a lot of fun. Sonia has as amazing team so I would definitely recommend attending the event if you need a hair stylist or make-up artist.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

I am busy catching up after a week in NYC followed by an amazing wedding at Salvage One. Here's a list of my favorite things right now!

Lucky FABB was amazing! The conference was invigorating and the swag was phenomenal. I was also able to meet Jean Godfrey-June, which was the highlight of the conference for me. The other highlight of the conference was spending the second day in the famous Conde Nast building.

I rented a great flat in Nolita with my friend Lisa, who lives in England. We shopped in Soho, did some sight seeing, and shopped as much as we could. The trip was totally refreshing and I'm ready for my final stretch of weddings!

(Thrilled to be meeting jean godfrey-june; Posing in front of the Conde Nast building.)

Before I left for NYC, I popped over to Goldplaited, a new finishing salon in Lincoln Park. I love getting blow-outs but it felt oh so indulgent to also get my make-up done. The owners are super cute sisters that recently moved to Chicago.

The salon is offering a promotion on Gilt City Chicago for a blow-out and make-up application for a mere $45. Check out the special offer; it ends tomorrow! (By the way, did you notice the model? I happened to be there the day that Gilt City was photographing the space.)

I am obsessed with my Mega Tote by Snapsac. At 28" wide, it is perfect for a beach bag, carry-on, or even as a weekend bag. I also think it makes a great gift for bridesmaids. Too often, I see girls trying to squish their belonging into a cute little bag that is way too small. Admit it, you need the 28" mega tote on a wedding day!

We just finished our fall family photos and I'm on the hunt for the perfect holiday cards. My all time favorite were the ones that I sent out a few years ago by Kate Spade. They aren't offering cards this year so I am trying to find the perfect option. I've been looking at Tiny Prints, Minted, and Paperless Post. Have any other suggestions?

Now that wedding season is coming to a close, I am going to focus on decorating my office. I really adore this photo from Etsy and it might serve as inspiration as my color palette.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

I cannot even begin to contain my excitement over meeting my idol this week at the Lucky FABB Conference. I don't use the term "idol" lightly, but I had a crush on Jean Godfrey-June since the 90's. (Did I just give away my age?)If you are not a regular reader of Lucky, then you may not know of Jean Godfrey-June. She is the Beauty Directory at the magazine and writes, in my opinion, one of the best columns in any magazine (and I subscribe to 15). I love her honesty as well as her advice. It's really easy to mock the attention, time and research that is spent on beauty products (it's not curing cancer as she has joked in the past). And Jean realizes this, yet she is able to take beauty seriously while keeping a refreshingly light tone to her columns and articles. While I cannot say that I have followed all of her advice, I have gone out to buy some products she recommends to her loyal readers. If I do get to meet and speak to her -- and am able to put together coherent sentences -- then I plan to buy her a drink for the sage advice of using Lancôme Flash Bronzer for legs on my face. It really is the best bronzer out there.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Fabulous news, readers! I am giving away one pair of tickets to the Modern Luxury Brides event, An Afternoon of Bridal Luxury. The fabulous event is scheduled for Sunday, September 15th from 12- 4PM. Oak Street's seventh annual charitable wedding walk is a highlight on the bridal calendar in Chicago. And this year, Modern Luxury Brides have really out done themselves by giving every bride two goodie bags worth of swag.

Let's chat about the contest:The tickets are for one bride and one guest, valued at $95! To enter, please leave a comment naming your top pick to visit from the Oak Street Council participants. The Oak Street Council participants are listed below. I'll be selecting one comment at random on September 10th at 5PM CST.

Monday, August 26, 2013

I have been busy busy busy so my deepest apologies for the lack of blogging for the last month or so. It's been crazy town in these parts. Between a gaggle of weddings, I attended the Grand Opening of the Elles by Gilles Bensimon exhibit at the Sofitel Chicago. It's amazing; so you if you love fashion and art, stop in before September 25th.

Did you notice the new button on the right? I'm going to ALT in January. If you haven't heard of ALT, it is the largest conference for Bloggers. I am so excited!

I am also thrilled to announce that we are getting published in Hostess with the Mostess. I cannot wait to share the post with you. It's my first venture into non-weddings!

Last night was spent working. Sadly, I missed the VMA's. I didn't see the performance but I felt like I did after seeing this on Buzzfeed.What the hell was Miley thinking?

I crossed something of my "In My Life" list: I met Lazaro! He was in town for a trunk show at Bella Bianca. The fabulous ladies there hosted an intimate party in his honor at their Gold Coast location. It was so thrilling.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

After a vacation in Paris a couple years ago, I fell in love with the fashion and romance that surrounded the city. On August 8th, The Left Bank Jewelry and Bridal Finery is bringing Paris to Chicago for an intimate Parisian-inspired evening with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and sweets. Join The Left Bank as they host, Kim Petyt, top Paris wedding planner and author of The Paris Wedding, for a book signing event.

Want to include friends when finding your wedding dress? Then attend a trunk show. Not only is it a fun way to find the perfect dress, but it is also a great way to include others. Who better to do it with then the designer Alvina Valenta? Bella Bianca Bridal Couture will be hosting a Alvina Valenta trunk show on August 15th-17th.

Feeling let down lately because you can't seem to find the right dress? I have a solution for you. You can finally stop you're exhausting search for that perfect dress, because Bella Bianca Bridal Couture will have the perfect fix for you. On August 8th-10th they will be hosting a Rivini Trunk show. Are you also looking for a deal? Then I have even better news for you! If you purchase your dress at the trunk show you will receive a pretty special offer!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Is there anything better than taking a chocolate break in the office? The answer to that question is always NO if you're eating Chocomize chocolate! The Honey Bee Weddings Team had the opportunity to take a break from our hectic wedding season schedule to try Chocomize's chocolate. Chocomize chocolate would be a perfect favor for that creative bride looking to impress their guests with a delicious, creative favor!

With Chocomize you can choose your type of chocolate (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white belgian) as well as add up to five ingredients from a selection of 100+. Then, you get to customize the package with any image or text. The chocolate bars are really amazing and will make the perfect favor.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

I'm a major collector of magazines, so you can only imagine the stacks and stacks of magazines that I have piled in my home. The one thing that I find frustrating is the actual shopping of a magazine. How do I purchase that spectacular dress on page 67 if I cannot find a way to buy it?

When I found out about what Martha Stewart Weddings had been up to, I couldn't contain my excitement. Recently, Martha Stewart Weddings paired up with REVEL so that readers could log on and shop the issue, cover to cover!
Here are some of the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine spreads available on REVEL: